6.24.2005

3 conversations in odd places

Well, those of you that know me well know that Kimme and I have had quite a month of June. *whew* I have traveled from coast to coast and then back to the plains of Kansas and back for work for my mom (video stuff for her Merck meeting) in Phoenix, Arizona and Kimme's grandmother's funeral in Hodgen, Oklahoma. In these past 2-3 weeks, I've found myself in the most unlikely places having the most unlikely conversations (though none have quite yet compared with the one in the Waldorf in Manhattan mentioned elsewhere). Still... I thought I would share.

#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.

Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?

#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."

Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.

He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.

#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.

Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.

Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.

Your friend,
DCC

6.15.2005

Blogging Wise

Man... I've come to the point where I wish I could automatically blog various thoughts throughout the day because by the time I get to my computer, the moment is passed or there is just too much to do verses putting stuff on here. I know there were at least 3 really cool things that happened while I was away in Arizona that I wanted to blog, but didn't because of time. Perhaps I will make a point to. It was a great trip for spiritual reflection. More later? I hope so... :)